<body><iframe src="http://www.blogger.com/navbar.g?targetBlogID=4398497618937152229&amp;blogName=A+Mom%27s+Balancing+Act&amp;publishMode=PUBLISH_MODE_HOSTED&amp;navbarType=BLUE&amp;layoutType=CLASSIC&amp;homepageUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.momsbalancingact.com%2F&amp;searchRoot=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.momsbalancingact.com%2Fsearch" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" height="30px" width="100%" id="navbar-iframe" title="Blogger Navigation and Search"></iframe> <div id="space-for-ie"></div>
About me Archives Email me Home Disclosure

Helpful Links

 

Blog Roll

Find Me At...

Search

Archives

Categories

About Me

    I am a wife to the man of my dreams! We've been married for nearly three years now and I couldn't imagine my life without him in it! I am also a mom to a seven month old daughter who I absolutely adore! I love the Lord with all my heart...without Him in my life I would not be where I am today! I am enjoying the balancing act of being a stay at home mom and wife and, together with my husband, am enjoying our wonderfully blessed life!!

Motivation For Moms

Recent Readers


Promote Your Blog With Zookoda

Posted by jennasue

Over the years I've found that blogging is not only something that I thoroughly enjoy, but it's also a great way to meet other bloggers as well as make some extra income along the way. If you are like me and enjoy blogging, then you probably know something about Zookoda and their marketing abilities?!! Anyone who takes blogging seriously at all knows how important it is to bring traffic to your blog and write relevant material that will keep them coming back for more. That's why Zookoda is so great! They help you to send daily, weekly or even month summaries of the latest posts that you've done. What's even better is that you can send these posts directly to your the visitors of you site! You're probably asking yourself...well how much does this cost? How do I know that?? Well, that's what I asked myself too....and I was very surprised and pleased to learn that it's all free!! That's right, you can now market your blog for free. You won't find many other services with this kind of offer, that's for sure! Do you want to learn more about Zookoda? If so, check out their site today. You'll find that they can help you manage e-mail newsletter subscribers, make appealing newsletters to match the design of your blog, access mobile users by e-mail your blog content, and so much more!! Take a minute and head over to their site to see all that they have to offer you. And remember, it's all free....so you have nothing to lose!!
Sponsored by Zookoda

Labels: , ,

Comments (0)    Digg This         Thursday, June 05, 2008

Homemade Baby Food: Carrots

Posted by jennasue

The next food that I decided to introduce to Kaelyn was carrots. Like everything else that I've made so far...it was so incredibly easy to make. It took hardly any time at all to cook them, and then puree them a bit so they weren't so big for her. I froze a couple of trays full...so that should last us for some time now. Making our own baby food has been so easy, and has saved us so much money!! Who wouldn't want to save money, right?! I would say it takes me a couple of hours a month to get things prepared and stored. It's definitely worth it, because not only is it easy and cheap...but it's much better for her as well.

Back to Carrots....Kaelyn had them for the first time yesterday, and to my surprise did not seem that impressed. I was sure that she'd just love them, but they were just ok....or at least that's what I got from the facial expressions and her sticking out her tongue the whole time.:)

Labels: , , , ,

Comments (0)    Digg This         Thursday, June 05, 2008

Earn Extra Money With Social Spark

Posted by jennasue

I've mentioned many times my love of being a stay at home mom. It's the absolute best job in the world and I wouldn't trade it for anything!! While being home, I have come to find some really easy ways to make money online....some bring in more money than others. Recently, I came across one opportunity that really seems to stand out among the rest....that's SocialSpark. Have you ever heard of it?? They are a here to help regular bloggers like you and me make money with our blogs, build community and even drive traffic to them!! Isn't that great?!? Blogging for money is a great way to earn some extra money, and something you can do when you want and where you want. It's perfect for students, stay at home moms...or even people with a little extra time every day.

So, you are probably saying...I've heard of sites like this before...what's so special about this one?! Well, let me tell you. The following are part of the SocialSpark Code of Ethics: 100% Audit-able In-Post Disclosure, which is great for those of us who like to let others know when we're being paid for a post we write. I always make sure to give my truthful opinion on things, but still like others to know when it is sponsored, and when it is not. 100% Transparency, 100% search engine friendly, and probably my favorite.... 100% real opinions! That's right, using Social Spark you are allowed to give your honest opinion...which your blog readers deserve and so do you as the author.

How would you like to earn a little extra money each day or week? Well, you can! It's as easy as using your blog to write about things that you enjoy...whether that be products, sites or something else...it's that easy!! It has been a wonderful way for me to earn some extra money staying at home with my daughter, and I know you will enjoy it just as much! If at all interested, I would strongly encourage you to head over to Social Spark's website and learn more about them. You won't be sorry you did!
Sponsored by SocialSpark

Labels: , , , ,

Comments (0)    Digg This         Wednesday, June 04, 2008

Need Health Insurance?

Posted by jennasue

When I was pregnant, Scott and I learned how very important health insurance was. As the bills rolled in, we were SO thankful that we had good coverage. Recently we've been discussing how great our insurance is, but also how expensive it is as well. Being a stay at home mom and not working out of the house at all...I get my health insurance through his place of work. It's VERY good insurance, but a bit spendy, especially now that we're covering our daughter under that same policy. We've been discussing looking into something that was a little more affordable for us.

Anyone ever heard of Peoples Health Insurance, LLC before? I hadn't heard of them before just recently, but it turns out that they are a licensed insurance agency that helps people through the application process, plan pricing, and questions about health provider networks and a Illinois healthcare plan. I like knowing that there are people out there who will help me to select a quality health plan that is priced to suit our needs and offers the protection that we need. I'm strongly considering looking into them to see what they can do for us. I feel they could help me to find a more affordable alternative to the insurance we have currently. I was quite impressed to learn about them and all they offer, especially to learn that their "Rate Quote" process is really fast and easy to use. Using this I'll be able to find a number of quotes from different health insurance carriers. I've been looking for an option like this for quite some time...I'm hoping that they'll be able to help me out!!

Labels: , ,

Comments (0)    Digg This         Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Web Directories

Posted by jennasue

Most people who blog know how important it is to have your blogs listed with some sort of a directory. This is a great thing to do if you're looking to get your information out there so that others will be open to visiting your site. I know I've done this in the past, and am constantly looking for directories that I can add my blog to. In fact, recently I was browsing the net and came across a site that allows you to do just that! They are a business web free directory that is organized into categories. Basically, this site allows you to submit your blog to their directory under the different categories available. The great thing is that you don't have to wait weeks to be added. In fact, if you're blog meets the requirements set out by this site, you can actually be listed within 24 hours! I thought that was amazing. I don't think I've ever heard of great service before now!! Wouldn't you like to get your blog on a business web directory like this? If so, you should head over to their site and learn how you can do just that!! They're only a click away. So what are you waiting for. Check out their site and their requirements and see if this is something you'd like to do as well!

Labels: ,

Comments (0)    Digg This         Wednesday, April 09, 2008

Investing

Posted by jennasue

As I've said many times before, staying home with my daughter is one of the best decisions I've ever made. It has required some financial sacrifices, but I wouldn't change it for the world! Being home, I feel that I can do what I can to make some extra money, even if I'm not working outside of the home. So far I feel I've been very successful in doing so. Not only can I try to do what I can to make money, but I also can take some time to search for ways to make us money through investments as well.

Recently while browsing the web, I came across a web release about the Monex Deposit Company. Have you ever heard of it before? I have heard a little bit about them, but was interested in learning more about purchasing precious metals like silver or gold coin as an investment option. What I found was that Monex is a well-respected company that makes it easy for people like you and me to purchase precious metals and arrange for them to immediately be delivered to us or a place of safe storage...maybe at a bank for example. I was impressed with this company that's been around for over 30 years, and I though there would be many others who would like to learn more as well. Their site offers a wealth of information if you're interested in learning more for yourself.

Labels: , ,

Comments (0)    Digg This         Monday, March 31, 2008

The Salary of a Stay-at-home-mom

Posted by jennasue

I was recently reading an article about a very interesting topic that I hadn't put much thought into since becoming a stay at home mom. The article covered the question pertaining to What is a Mom worth? I've written before about the joy being a stay home mom brings. It sit the greatest job in the whole world, and one I am honored and privileged to have. There are many sacrifices made to be a stay at home mom, but it is all SO worth it!!

A stay at home mom, and working mom, wears many hats. They are "teachers", "van drivers", "housekeepers", "cooks", "counselors", "nurses", and so much more! The list goes on and on. The article I was reading said that a projected salary for a stay at home mom would be well over 100,000 dollars a year!! They work every day of the week, and are "on call" every hour of the day! I thought it was interesting to read this and completely agree. A stay at home mom, and working mom for that matter, takes on a lot, balancing so many different "jobs"...and is well deserving of a wage like this or even greater!!

This was an interesting article with a focus on motherhood I had never really thought about before. I found it very interesting and wanted to be sure to share it with others!

Labels: , ,

Comments (0)    Digg This         Thursday, February 28, 2008

The Mommy Store

Posted by jennasue

Recently I got to thinking how nice it would be to go to a site like Amazon and only have the products and categories that I shop in available to me. I thought this would be great, because I often do not have much time while shopping online and can't spend those short periods of time while Kaelyn naps, searching through hundreds of products that I have no interest in buying. I finally came to the conclusion that I would compile the products and categories that I love most into one store, Mommy Must-Haves! Here is where you'll find everything from toys, baby products and children's books, to books on families and products dealing with health. Check it out if you're like me and on the go constantly. It's user-friendly and easy to navigate...two things moms on the go need when it comes to online shopping!

Labels: , , , , ,

Comments (0)    Digg This         Thursday, February 21, 2008

Investment Decisions

Posted by jennasue

Over the years Scott and I haven't really thought a whole lot about investing. In fact, it wasn't until just recently that we really began discussing this in all seriousness, probably due to the fact that we now have a baby and want to make sure that we're always able to provide for her as much as possible. In talking about the different investment opportunities out there these days, we began considering the Monex Deposit Company. This is a company that I've often heard people talk about, probably because they are America's investment leader when it comes to the gold, silver and other precious metals. They're a treated company having been around for over thirty years, which tells you that the service they offer is well taken. After many long discussions, I think this may be a route we decide to take. Now is definitely the time to invest in silver, due to the silver price, and what easier way to do it than through a company that will send it directly to you or a place of safe storage. I for one am very impressed and am planning on looking into this particular option more in the near future.

Labels: , ,

Comments (0)    Digg This         Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Online Business and Search Engine Marketing

Posted by jennasue

As with many other stay-at-home moms out there, I like to earn a little extra income when I find the time. Usually I do this by finding work online. Recently I have been throwing the idea around about doing some sort of online business. I've done different affiliate programs, but am anxious to get something started on my own. The first thing I would have to do in pursuing this possible venture is to set up a website and bring traffic to it. Researching this exact topic, I came across Apogee Search which is a well-known search engine marketing firm that guarantees it's customers listings in Google, Yahoo, etc. If you're like me and wanting to start up your own business, this is a very important place to start. Utilizing the marketing methods that Apogee takes advantage of will ensure that quality and targeted traffic will be directed to my site. I'm still learning more about them on the Apogee Search Blog and through their site which has a wealth of information on their approach and Dallas SEO, but from what I've found so far, this may just be the route that I take.

Labels: , , ,

Comments (1)    Digg This         Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Easy Way to Earn Money From Home

Posted by jennasue

As a stay at home mom, I try and find ways to make a little extra money when I can. Over the past few months I've found that there are MANY money-making opportunities out there, many of which I have tried!! For the time that I have to actually sit down and work, I've found that using my blogs is the best way for me to earn extra income for my family! Adsense works, however it brings in a minimal amount of money, compared to other money making opportunities like PayPerPost for example.

What's great about PayPerPost is that you can still stay true to your blog and Get Paid to Blog About the Things You Love!. It's so easy! What I like best is that you can choose the opportunities that interest you...you're never forced to pick a topic that you don't want to discuss or promote. I'm sure many people have heard of PayPerPost, and probably even have tried it. But, if you're one of those that still haven't tried it...I strongly urge you to check it out! You can make hundreds of dollars a month with very little time invested in it. It's truly the PERFECT side job for any stay at home mom, and I'd recommend it to anyone!

Labels: , , , , ,

Comments (0)    Digg This         Monday, February 18, 2008

When it Rains, It Pours

Posted by jennasue

Have you ever felt like sometimes "when it rains, it pours"? Being a stay at home mom, I find that the budget is often pretty tight. It's definitely so worth it knowing that I get to be home with my little girl...it just means that we need to watch what we spend on at times. Sometimes though, things come along that are out of your control. This happened to our family recently. Between unexpected bills and then our computer crashing on us, it was quite a stressful time as far as money was concerned. I thought that the quality and longevity of the computer we owned would cause it to last us a lot longer than it did. You just never know when something like that could happen. Thankfully we didn't lose too much of our important documents and information, and as always, the Lord always provides. We now have a new computer on its way so that I can continue the work I do online. God is good!!

Labels: , , ,

Comments (0)    Digg This         Saturday, February 16, 2008

Starting a Business From Home

Posted by jennasue

Now that I am a stay-at-home-mom, making money from home is something that I've researched and become very interested in learning more about. I've even thought about starting my own business from home. The only problem with that, is that there are so many different opportunities out there....but knowing the real ones from the scams is not an easy task! When I say "own business" I mean something small that I can do on my own. Nothing huge that would require bpm software of any sort. I've come across many different avenues I could take, and have even seriously considered some of them. I guess time will only tell if any of these opportunities are ones that I am willing to try and pursue.

Labels: , , ,

Comments (0)    Digg This         Friday, February 15, 2008

Baby Photo Contests

Posted by jennasue

Until I had my daughter, I never realized how many sites are out there offering "free baby photo contests". I thought this would be kind of fun to do, seeing how we have lots of pictures taken of our daughter. As I read through some of these sites offering contests of this sort, many of them have different levels of prizes. For instance, a first place winner may win some money and information on talent management/talent experts to get your child in the spotlight of television, ads, or something along those lines. Second place might be money, and third place might be a toy. Out of all the contests I researched, I have to say that those offering just money or bonds were of greatest interest to me. Helping my daughter with college one day with the winnings from a contest like this would be great! However, having her "discovered" by some talent agent is not something I'm interested in. The one thing I can say though, is that I think it's wonderful there are so many great contests out there for people to choose from and participate in.

Labels: ,

Comments (0)    Digg This         Friday, February 08, 2008

Part-Time Exerciser

Posted by jennasue

You could call me a "part time exerciser". I really enjoy exercising...when I have time. It gives me more energy and just gives me a feeling of being more healthy which is great! After having my daughter just a few months ago...I really was really wanting to begin exercising more. So, after some thought and consideration, my husband and I decided to purchase an elliptical machine. This is one of the only machines I've ever used that I actually enjoy using. I think the greatest thing about it is, that when I'm using it I don't feel like I am exercising. It's so easy, and the results of using it after a while are amazing!

When we got it I had this picture perfect plan in my head that I would use it at least 4 times a week. After having it for a while now, I have found that this was an unrealistic expectation for myself. Between taking care of Kaelyn, keeping the house clean, doing some work online, and other things that I need to get done in a weeks time...I find it very hard to fit in exercise every other day of the week. I am finding that I have become a "part time exerciser"...aka...one who exercises when she has time. This is typically 2-3 times a week as of now, which is better than the amount of exercise I was doing before....or the lack of I should say. I'm finding it difficult to get on a schedule as far as working out is concerned, but feel good any time I get the chance. As I condition myself and get more and more used to this "part time" exercise schedule...I am planning on trying to get myself out of bed a little earlier and really work on getting into a routine. As of now though...2-3 days for a half hour each time is working wonderfully! I'm so glad we decided to purchase this machine.

Labels: , , , ,

Comments (0)    Digg This         Sunday, January 20, 2008

Stay-At-Home-Mom Jobs

Posted by jennasue

Being a stay at home mom is absolutely wonderful! What a blessing it is to be home with my daughter...I can't think of a better job that is more rewarding! While I'm home I try and find different ways to make some extra income when I can. In the past with other blogs that I author I've taken advantage of different "get paid to blog" opportunities, as well as adsense inclusion on them. It's definitely a great way to make some extra money, that's for sure!! Now, however, I'm in search for new ways of making money. I like the idea of "blogging for money", but am interested in other ways stay-at-home-moms contribute to the household income a bit. If anyone has any suggestions of simple ways to make a little extra money on the side for a stay at home mom I'm all ears! :) Staying home with my daughter is a priority to me...and while I'm home with her I'd really like to make some extra income when I can.

Labels: , , ,

Comments (1)    Digg This         Monday, January 14, 2008

Getting Things Done

Posted by jennasue

Being a new mom is such a joy, and exhausting at the same time. Now having been a mom for a little over a month now...I'm still learning how to get everything done that needs to be each day. Between the naps, feedings, and diapers....I'm trying to find time to clean, work online, and do laundry. I'm just taking it a day at a time and with each day that passes it gets a bit easier. It's so nice to have a husband who's supportive and there to help out when I need him as well!! I'm so grateful to have him come home from work and ask "Is there anything I can help you with?" He's been so helpful and willing to clean, take care of Kaelyn...etc. Without him willing to help out....everything that needs to be done would become quite overwhelming for me.

Labels: , , ,

Comments (0)    Digg This         Thursday, December 13, 2007

To My Surprise....

Posted by jennasue

When I first began staying home and not working outside of the home...I was pregnant with Kaelyn. In the beginning I thought to myself...This is going to be great! I'm going to have so much time on my hands to get everything done!....Little did I know that this was not the case. Even though I was a stay-at-home-wife at the time...I still was so very busy. Between the laundry, cleaning the house, working online, etc....I found that it was 5:30 in the evening before I even had time to glance at the clock. It's amazing how quickly time goes when you're busy. I didn't expect for it to be that way...but I guess that's just the way it goes. Now being a stay-at-home-mom is much the same. I find myself making to-do lists, only to find that there's never enough time in a day to get everything done.

Labels: , , , , ,

Comments (0)    Digg This         Monday, November 26, 2007

Let The Journey Begin....

Posted by jennasue

My husband and I have been married for 2 1/2 years now and always knew that we wanted children!! Last February we found out that I was pregnant and were extremely excited about it!! We couldn't wait to become parents and meet our little one! :) Those next 9 months went by very quickly, and this month our beautiful daughter was born!! She is everything we had imagined her to be and more. What a blessing she is and has been to our lives so far. Becoming a mother is something I had thought about and dreamed of since I was a little girl. Now, this dream has become a reality and I'm loving every minute of it. The biggest change to becoming a mother is learning to balance all of the other aspects of my life at the same time. Between being a wife, a mother, a stay at home mom who tries to make a little extra cash here and there, as well as keeping the house clean, making meals and getting exercise in once in a while...I've learned that the balancing act of motherhood is not always an easy one, but an adventure I am living daily, learning about with each moment that passes, and loving with all of my heart! I wouldn't change a thing and thank God for each and every day and all that He has blessed our family with! With that said, I thought it would be fun to begin a blog about the adventure of motherhood and the balancing act it entails! I'm looking forward to sharing my life as an everyday mom and relating to other mothers out there who are also experiencing this wonderful adventure and journey of motherhood!!

Labels: , , , , , , ,

Comments (0)    Digg This         Wednesday, November 07, 2007

« Previous Entries

ss_blog_claim=55828e0ff94b078c18edf6ce14bd622b